Circumcision Specialist

Chula Vista Ob/Gyn

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Chula Vista, CA

Circumcision is a choice that is made at the family level. While not every family is in favor of this procedure, Mauricio Levine, MD, of Chula Vista OB/GYN believes those who do should have access to a highly skilled physician. If you have questions about circumcision, schedule a time to sit down with Dr. Levine to share your concerns. You can set up your visit online, or call and speak with a member of the staff. Chula Vista OB/GYN is proud to serve the surrounding communities of San Diego, National City, Tijuana, La Jolla, and Spring Valley, California.

Circumcision Q & A

What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a procedure performed on infant boys to remove the foreskin from the head of the penis. It’s an ancient practice once used primarily to meet religious and cultural norms. Many families continue to choose circumcision for those same reasons, while others are motivated by health or aesthetic factors.

Circumcision can be a controversial topic, and people sometimes have strong opinions on both sides of the matter. For many families, however, circumcision is a non-issue, and is simply something that’s part of welcoming a newborn son into the family.

Dr. Levine is a firm believer in choice and supports the families in his care who choose to pursue circumcision for their sons.

Are there any benefits to circumcision?

The issue has been closely examined within the medical community, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that the benefits of circumcision are demonstrated to outweigh the risks. That body also held back from recommending universal newborn circumcision.

Studies show that boys who remain uncircumcised are at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection during their first year of life, as compared to boys who’ve been circumcised.

Additional ways that circumcision could be beneficial include:

Lower risk of sexually transmitted disease as adults

Prevention of phimosis, which is an inability to retract the foreskin

Prevention of paraphimosis, or the inability to move foreskin back to the original location

Many circumcisions are performed to adhere to cultural aesthetic norms. In fact, this is the reason many adult men choose to pursue circumcision.

What is the process for circumcision?

Circumcision is a simple procedure that takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. It’s usually performed in the first few weeks of life, sometimes within a day or two of birth.

A local anesthetic numbs the area, but there’s no need for general anesthesia. Dr. Levine then removes the foreskin from the head of the penis. There’s very little bleeding during or after the procedure.

Follow Dr. Levine’s instructions on cleaning the area to prevent infection. It normally takes 7-10 days after circumcision for the penis to fully heal, but there won’t be significant discomfort.

If you have questions or concerns about circumcision, discuss the matter with Dr. Levine during a prenatal visit. You can schedule online or by phone, and every effort is made to find a time that fits your busy schedule.